Daniel Zhang

Daniel Zhang, the debate captain at Livingston High School, has been an active Public Forum debater for six years, earning numerous accolades at major national circuit tournaments. Recently, he placed in the Top 16 of the Varsity Division at the Northwestern University Invitational, championed the Varsity Division at the Big Blue Invitational, and won the Opal Cup on the North American debate circuit. Daniel also reached the finals at the Ed Long Invitational, the semifinals at the TOC Digital Series 3, the quarterfinals at CFL, and achieved TOC Varsity Triple Finalist honors at the Stanford Invitational, Princeton Classic, and Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament. He qualified to National Debate Coaches Association National Championships

Beyond his success as a debater, Daniel is deeply passionate about coaching and mentoring. He has taught at Omega Speech and Debate's 2023 , 2024 and 2025 summer camps and led the Omega’s semester weekly debate programs, introducing Public Forum debate to over one hundred students from 5th to 9th grade through year-round weekly classes.

Daniel is also committed to guiding and inspiring young children. He serves as a group leader at his Christian church, overseeing a group of elementary students during the church's summer Vacation Bible School (VBS). Additionally, he leads a weekly Bible study at CCCNJ.

Daniel Zhang

Student leader, nonprofit director, and debate coach focused on service, communication, and building youth programs with measurable impact.

Livingston, NJ Class of 2027 300+ Students Taught 1,000+ People Served

Email: daniel.zhangs3@gmail.com
Phone: (973) 368-7557
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daniel-zhang-78b1b922a

Education

Livingston High School
Livingston, NJ • Aug 2023 – Jun 2027

Class of 2027

University of Iowa – Iowa Young Writers’ Studio
Jul 2024 – Jul 2025
Joni and Friends
Volunteer Service • 2021–2025

Leadership & Experience

President — Livingston Youth Organization for Human Services
Jul 2023 – Present
  • Lead a student nonprofit focused on poverty and socioeconomic inequality.
  • Direct a 15‑member executive board and 40+ members.
  • Organized 11+ service projects helping about 1,000 low‑income individuals.
  • Founded the Community Ambassador Program engaging 40+ student leaders.
Executive Director & Head Coach — Omega Speech and Debate
Feb 2022 – Present
  • Coach middle and high school students in debate and public speaking.
  • Led programs teaching 300+ students through camps and semester courses.
  • Directed 14‑week flagship programs serving 60+ students.
  • Approximately 60% of students earn tournament awards or championships.
Student Government Officer — Livingston High School
Aug 2024 – Present

Support class initiatives and student programming.

Debate Captain — Livingston High School
Jul 2025 – Present

Coach students weekly in Public Forum debate and public speaking.

Youth Group Fellowship Leader — Chinese Christian Church of New Jersey
Aug 2022 – Present
  • Mentor 50 students in weekly youth programs.
  • Lead workshops on character and spiritual development.
  • Organize retreats, banquets, sports tournaments, and events.
  • Lead worship services and music for gatherings.

Awards & Honors

Champion — North American Debate Circuit Opal Cup (2022)
Semifinalist — National TOC Digital Speech and Debate (2024)
Late elimination rounds — Harvard & Stanford Varsity Debate (2025)
Volunteer Walk of Fame — Jersey Cares (2024)
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards — Gold Key & Silver Key & Honorable Mentions
President’s Volunteer Service Award (3×)
New Jersey Governor’s Volunteerism Award Honoree (2025)

Skills

Leadership Public Speaking Debate Coaching Program Management Project Planning Marketing Management Team Building